Let us congratulate our Pine Bush High School Class of 2025 valedictorian, Jeffrey Palma, and salutatorian, Berthange Valsaint.

Both Jeffrey and Berthange are obviously stellar students, but they also have varied interests beyond their studies, including music, sports and drama. They both have big plans ahead and certainly have the drive and skills to achieve them.

Read more about Jeffrey and Berthange below.

 

Valedictorian Jeffrey Palma

 

Jeffrey leaves Pine Bush High School with an incredible resume of achievements and just as many goals for the future. When he takes to the podium on June 27 to deliver his valedictory address to his fellow graduates, it won’t be the first time he finished on top. Jeffrey was the top student at Circleville Middle School when he moved up in 2021.

 

 

What does this honor mean to him and was it always a goal to be tops in his class?

“To me, being valedictorian means that my focus on hard work over temptations and many chances to stop have paid off. But, this was not necessarily a goal; it just happened,” he said. “I just continued to do my work the best I could and was consistent. But I did think I could be here as valedictorian because I did it once so that meant I could do it again.”

 

Jeffrey came to the district in fourth grade at Circleville Elementary School, moved on to CVMS and of course did amazing things at PBHS.

 

During his high school years. Jeffrey has been a member of the JV soccer and varsity soccer teams, and the Interact Club. He has chalked up some impressive accolades over the years, including being a three-time scholar athlete, OCIAA scholar athlete and being named to the Class AAA all-star soccer team. He has earned both the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness, has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years, and won the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award.

 

Jeffrey’s memories of his time playing and practicing soccer are among his favorites from high school.

 

Looking forward, he will be attending Pace University in Pleasantville in the fall, majoring in chemistry. He plans to further continue his education in medical school.

 

Jeffrey, whose brother Justin is finishing his freshman year at PBHS, has some sage advice for younger students.

 

“I would say to trust your method in doing things because although there are people who will always be there to help you, sometimes you just have to do things yourself,” he said. “Also, don’t stress over school so much because, in the end, it’s not that big of a deal.”

 

Jeffrey is indeed grateful for all that has been given to him.

 

“I would like to thank my mom and my dad because they have provided me with the opportunities and support that allow me to be where I am and they have sacrificed so much for me,” he said. “I would also like to thank God for always watching over me and guiding me.”

 

 

Salutatorian Berthange Valsaint

 

Berthange Valsaint came to Pine Bush High School at the start of her junior year, transferring from Ramapo High School. That can be a tough time to enter a new school. For Berthange, she had a pleasant surprise.

“I found out that one of my friends from my old high school also moved here a year prior. It was a complete coincidence and I was so lucky to find her,” said Berthange. “She really helped me in the whole moving experience; thank you, Kaina.”

 

Berthange assimilated quite well in Pine Bush. She became part of the math team, dance team, drama club, played percussion with the wind ensemble, and participates in the National Honor Society peer tutoring program.

Over her high school career, Berthange has earned many honors including: Questbridge College Prep Scholar, Questbridge National College Match finalist, Battle of the Books – first place and third place, Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award, Rensselaer Medal, AP Scholar with Honor, National First-Generation Recognition Program, National African-American Recognition Award, NYSSMA Majors (orchestra) – Silver, Rockland County Music Educators Association (RCMEA) and Orange County Music Educators Association (OCMEA) All-County and Area All-State for cello.

 

Earning the distinction of salutatorian wasn’t a goal for Berthange but it doesn’t hurt!

“This hasn’t been my ultimate goal, however, it’s nice to have,” she said. “When I started high school, I only had shorter term goals of doing good in the classes I had in front of me, but I wasn’t necessarily working towards a ranking. After I moved here, I wasn’t expecting anything. Transitioning from one school to another was difficult because I essentially had to start over. However, my friends, family, and mentors supported me endlessly in achieving my academic goals.”

 

Those very supporting and proud family members include her mom, Bernadette, and her sisters Binnocentia, Berthinna and Bernice. Berthange is the youngest of the sisters and valued their counsel throughout her life.

 

Berthange’s work ethic and unwavering support have helped propel her to the Ivy League. She will be attending Princeton University in the fall as a chemistry major. “My lifetime goal is to get my Ph.D. in chemistry or a PharmD.”

 

Her advice to those students working their way through school is crystal clear – find your confidence and just be you.

“Don’t strive to copy what everybody else is doing. Do what you need to do to achieve your goals,” she said. “What might’ve worked for one person might not work for you, and you need to find the confidence to take that first step for yourself. Everyone’s path to success is different.”

 

That being said, no one does it alone. Berthange has benefited from the support, encouragement and kindness of so many.

 

“I’d like to thank my best friend, Jayden Kong. Without him, I absolutely could not have made it this far,” she said. “Back when we met in fifth grade, I knew that we’d be inseparable; where one of us lacks knowledge, the other fills in the gaps. As a result, we were both able to achieve success. Sharing my successes with my best friend has allowed my happiness to multiply times two. Almost eight years later, he’s valedictorian, going to a top five engineering school, and he’s still bugging me. Thank you, Jayden.

 

“I’d also like to thank my family. Having an unshakeable network of strong Black women has definitely had a positive impact on my life,” she continued. “As the youngest of four sisters, I grew up always looking to my mom and sisters for advice and guidance, and they’ve never failed me. They’ve shown me that I can live life like I want to, and follow my dreams the way I see fit. Thank you mom, and thank you Binno, Tinna, and Bernice.

 

“Lastly, my high school experience would’ve been close to miserable if not for the friends I’ve made here,” she concluded. “I cannot imagine where I’d be without you guys, and you know exactly who you are. Thank you to all my friends who have taken the time to know me and support me.”

 

And we are grateful that life brought you here to Pine Bush, Berthange. 

 

 

Congratulations, Jeffrey and Berthange, on all you have achieved and all that is to come. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of you.